Saturday, July 17, 2010

SS United States, the Next Historic Attraction

A huge public relations effort awaits as the SS United States Conservancy has secured the funding it needs to purchase the SS United States and begin redevelopment and refurbishing plans. The money for the purchase comes from a donation by Philadelphia philanthropist H. F. “Gerry” Lenfest.

If everything goes accordingly, the opening of the ship will be a PR bonanza. The conservancy group wants to turn this ship, the largest ocean liner ever built in the US, into a historical and flamboyant attraction. Potential plans could include restaurants, museums, hotels, and shopping and entertainment settings. Such plans would also provide hundreds, if not thousands of jobs both during the ship’s renovation and once it is competed.

The completed project would be a major draw for the city lucky enough to win berthing for the SS United States. Presently, both New York and Philadelphia appear to be under consideration. The winning city will require a significant amount of public relations work for the project to succeed.

This guest blog was written by staff member Trish Wyatt.

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